It’s a tad unusual that I’m predicting five nominees all from freshman shows this year, but then all are very showy directing pieces. I’m currently predicting Stranger Things to go really big this year; thus I’m going with two episodes from that show. For that remaining returning slot, I’m currently going with Homeland‘s “America First” episode directed by Leslie Linka Glater. Homeland has been nominated four of the last five years and three of those were from Glater.

If there’s one category that I’m most confident with The Leftovers, it’s for this one. Both The Handmaid’s Tale and The Crown were wise with their submissions, so I’m confident both are getting in too. I feel like the pilot of Stranger Things is a writer’s dream taking in a familiar territory and at the same time, building a mystery for the whole season. The Americans has been nominated for the last two years here, and while this is the least praised season thus far, I still think the show has its fans within the branch. I’m including in Better Call Saul only because this is too familiar of an episode that will appeal to the writers with its court scenes and long monologues and dialogues.

Current champ Hank Azaria is eligible once again for his performance in Ray Donovan so it seems likely he’ll get a nod to go for his consecutive win here. Beau Bridges has been nominated twice for this role already and the only reason why he missed last year is because he wasn’t eligible here and instead in the Supporting category. After pulling off an upset win in Supporting last year, Ben Mendelsohn is eligible here this time around so it might be an easy nom for this Aussie actor. A House of Cards actor has been nominated the last three years, and I expect the trend to continue, so I’m betting on Lars Mikkelsen to make it. For the last spot, I’ll go with two This Is Us actors: Gerard McRaney who made an impact in his role in the show, and Denis O’Hare who is a multiple Emmy nominee.

I don’t think the category campaign will confuse voters so I’m a tad certain that Alexis Bledel is getting in here, especially after those raves she received for the performance. Barb is an iconic pop culture figure already, so I’m seeing a scenario of Shnnon Purser getting in as well. Laverne Cox has been nominated once in the guest but it was still when the show was competing in the comedy categories. That said, her narrative and great showcase can get her a second career nod for this role. Since co-star Margo Martindale has been promoted to supporting status already, I’m currently predicting Allison Wright to get in here as she’s also probably helped by the goodwill of starring in Feud. While I was initially tempted to nominate two actresses from American Gods here considering it does not have any Emmy buzz outside of this category, these are Gillian Anderson and Cloris Leachman that we’re talking about here, both who have won and nominated yet again with Emmys.

Because I don’t think that this category will have a clean sweep of newbies, then Jonathan Banks make the most sense as a comeback nominee to get his third bid for an Emmy in Better Call Saul. John Lithgow is perceived as the current frontrunner but expect co-star Jared Harris (who was last nominated here for his turn in Mad Men) to join him. I’m a bit cautious with Westworld supporting actors as it reminds me a bit of Boardwalk Empire’s situation in its first season when we’re predicting a star to get in, only for everyone to miss. Thus, I’m going only with Emmy winner Jeffrey Wright to get in here. David Harbour is a hot or miss, but I think he’ll be carried with the Stranger Things love that’s bound to happen. Ron Cephas Jones makes sense as that nominee that can be carried because of the passion for both the actor and the show he’s in.

Like in Supporting Actor, I don’t think it’ll be an easy clean slate of nominees, so it’s a choice between Constance Zimmer and Maura Tierney. I went with the latter only because of name reputation. Vanessa Kirby is a scene-stealing name and the main push of the show in this category so Netflix is really serious in snatching her a nod. After getting Globe and SAG nods, Thandie Newton is Westworld‘s biggest chance for an acting nomination. Millie Bobby Brown already made her name in pop culture history, so that’s already an assured nomination. I’m a bit more skeptical about Winona Ryder, but I think she can sneak in and get a welcome nomination. With no co-star to battle with, I think Chrissy Metz is one of the breakout stars of the season and will likely add Emmy nominee in her resumé.

All six nominees are eligible to come back and receive a nomination, so I think Kevin Spacey, Matthew Rhys, and Bob Odenkirk will have no problem getting nominated yet again. Rami Malek can be that current winner only to be snubbed the next year, considering the close to non-existent buzz for Mr. Robot‘s second season, but I think he can sneak in one more nod this year. Since his win last year for People vs. OJ Simpson, Sterling K. Brown is in the hunt again for another Emmy with his great reviews and a surprise SAG nod for This is Us. For that last spot, I’m torn between Liev Schreiber to get a third consecutive nod for Ray Donovan or passion to bring Justin Theroux to land an Emmy nom. With Showtime managing to snatch random nods each year at the Emmys, I’m thinking Schreiber still has it in him to get one more nomination.

Two newbies are almost assured to get nominations this year and they’re also the two frontrunners for the win. There’s Claire Foy in The Crown and Elisabeth Moss in The Handmaid’s Tale. After getting in for a more crowded category last year, Keri Russell is still in for a second bid in The Americans. Three actresses who have been mainstays here the past few years were Oscar winner Viola Davis who was the champ here in 2015, Claire Danes who won back to back in 2012 and 2013, and Robin Wright who has been nominated four times now. I don’t think all three will get in this year, so I’m leaving Viola Davis off only because there is literally no buzz for her show anymore. In her place, I think the huge buzz for The Leftovers can net Carrie Coon a surprise nomination in the end.

With Game of Thrones absence this year, it’s an up for grabs race for everyone. Both The Americans and Better Call Saul can add another nomination for the show in the top race here. The two Netflix shows have the pop culture buzz and the critical response to both get in so expect The Crown and Stranger Things to be nominated as well. The reception for The Handmaid’s Tale is perfect fit for Hulu to finally join the club and get nominated for the top plum. It’s a tad weird that House of Cards is missing in a post-election season no less, but between Netflix having stronger contenders plus a less buzzy season, I think it will finally miss this year. HBO, on the other hand, has two contenders to replace GoT here: the sci-fi show Westworld and cult favorite The Leftovers. I don’t think there’s room for both to get in, and even if I’m so tempted to go with a NGNG prediction of The Leftovers, I’ll stick with Westworld here. The last network show to be nominated for the top prize is The Good Wife for Season2 back in 2011 and since then, network dramas have find it really hard to get back again. Even huge show Empire missed three years ago and The Good Wife missed for its widely loved fifth season. That said, i think This Is Us will probably do the trick and get in this year.

There you have it! Can’t wait for the Emmy nominations tonight! talk to me on Twitter: @nikowl.

It’s still Emmys 2017 week here at Tit for Tat! The last two days we’ve discussed both Reality and Variety as well as the TV Movie and Limited Series categories. It’s time to move to the funniest shows of the season: the Comedy genre!

It’s noteworthy to mention that Transparent has won this category the last two years, thanks to Jill Solloway, but this year she opted to submit for that and went for I Love Dick instead. I’m really not sure if the risk will pay off for her, but I think she has enough supporters to get her a third bid for the win. Silicon Valley and Veep are likely to get nominated again, and like last year, I’m going with multiple nods for the current Best Comedy Series champ. I’m certain that Master of None will also get nominated, the question though is for which episode? The Thief seems likeliest to get in here in this category. For that last spot, I can see another episode of Master of None getting in or Oscar winner Barry Jenkins for his episode in Dear White People. That said, I’m counting on Donald Glover’s directed Atlanta episode to snag a nom here.

The writers branch usually is a breath of fresh air and the least likely to join usual consensus when it comes to nominating shows. This category has given nods to shows like Sports Night, Freaks and Geeks,Community, and Catastrophe. This year, I think the recipient of that slot per se, is writer/actor Phoebe Waller-Bridge for the pilot of Fleabag. I’m sensing a bit of an Episodes vibe from Catastrophe after its surprise nod here last year, and with only one episode submitted, I think it’s in. Then there are the usual suspects: Veep, Silicon Valley, and Master of None. I’m currently predicting that Atlanta will both get in Writing and Directing, but don’t be shocked if the tandem of Pamela Adlon & Louis CK will push Better Things to a nod.

I think there are two surefire contenders here with regular mainstay in this category, Melissa McCarthy for hosting yet another season of Saturday Night Live. I also think Carrie Fisher will net a posthumous nod for Catastrophe and might even contend for a win once nominated. Kristen Wiig has two shows in contention and while it’s her Last Man on Earth that gets more critical acclaim, her SNL hosting is an easy namecheck here. I’m not sure if voters are totally *over* the Big Bang Theory to drop both Christine Baranski and Laurie Metcalfe, so I’m retaining the latter here especially since Emmys tend to love nominating her. Angela Bassett is the standout guest actress mentioned from Master of None, and she’s a multiple Emmy nominee who checks a lot of boxes in terms of pedigree, show stature, and performance so I’m currently predicting her. Last slot is tricky. It can go to either Maya Rudolph in an too out there performance in Kimmy Schmidt, but I’m probably in wishful thinking mode so I’m going with Becky Ann Baker for Girls.

With his surprise win last year, I think Peter Scolari will be an easy inclusion this time around inspite of getting a more limited screentime as compared to his winning season. I’m not sure if Girls is strong enough to net multiple nods so I’m ruling both Riz Ahmed and Matthew Rhys out here. Meanwhile, two shows who are strong enough to get multiple nods are current Best Comedy Series winner Veep with Peter MacNicol and Hugh Laurie, as well as the trio of Saturday Night Live hosts: Dave Chapelle, Tom Hanks, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. I’m most cautious about the last one, but he seems to be an it guy who has been nominated at the Oscars and Tonys so he’s literally everywhere the last two years or so.

With Allison Janney moving in Lead, this opens up a slot here as well as Niecy Nash leaving with Getting On ineligible this time around. First up, let’s discuss the mainstays: Chlumsky, current winner McKinnon, and Judith Light of Transparent. I wonder if Kathryn Hahn and her good will can overcome possible perennial nominee Gaby Hoffmann but I’ll stay safe and predict the latter. It’s literally been decades since Rita Moreno last got nominated for an Emmy and she was snubbed after being widely predicted for Jane the Virgin, but I see Netflix factor working its charm to net her a welcome back nod. I don’t know what to make of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt but I feel it’s on a decline in terms of Emmy nods, so I’m not feeling Jane Krakowski this year. Instead, I’m putting Girls’ Allison Williams to snatch an Emmy nod due to the Get Out lovefest and a way to honor and nominate the finale season of Girls.

Does it make sense when I say that Alec Baldwin getting in or missing out are both feasible scenario? Baldwin donning Trump is an easy scenario of Hollywood making a statement, but then again Baldwin donning Trump is too easy a scenario to give this multiple Emmy winner another nod. I’m still thinking that Burgess still has at least an Emmy nod in him despite UKS’ decline in buzz. Ty Burrell seems to me is that someone who’ll likely be nominated as long as the show is still on air despite losing all buzz already, so I’m still keeping him in. For a show that is not as praised or acclaimed as the previous ones, we have to keep in mind that Veep is still a 2x winner for the top Emmy plum and it really has a huge recall among voters. Thus, I’m predicting Timothy Simons to join both Tony Hale and Matt Walsh as nominees here…which also means I’m predicting current winner Louie Anderson to miss out. There’s a huge chance he’ll really get in again, but we all had stranger winner to snubee scenarios before (Eric Stonestreet, Julianna Margulies etc), and he seems to fit the bill.

With Allison Janney moving in Lead, I think she’ll still get in as it’s the same trajectory she had with her The West Wing fate, only that was for a show that’s really loved by the Emmys. of course at this stage, suffice to say, Queen JLD is in and is probably in the hunt for the record breaking sixth consecutive win. Golden Globe winner Tracee Ellis Ross is likely to garner another nomination too this year. I’m still predicting both Ellie Kemper and Lily Tomlin, even if that means I’m more confident in the latter and can see a scenario of the former missing. The last spot seems open for a passion contender, and while I’m torn if it’s Issa Rae or Phoebe Waller-Bridge (maybe both get in and Kemper misses out in the end), I went with the latter.

All six men nominated last year are likely to get in again, but Golden Globe winning Donald Glover (and his show Atlanta) is too buzzy a contender to be snubbed. That means leaving out the weakest contender from the group — Will Forte.

With Atlanta getting really huge buzz and acclaim, it’s path to a series nomination is really likely. I’m torn on who leaves then: is it Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt who’s on a decline buzz-wise? Is it former 5x champ Modern Family especially in the presence of co-ABC sitcom black-ish? Is it Transparent which has been the receiving end of “but it’s not a comedy claim?” I went with Modern Family out only because it seems old news by now.

To complete the predictions, it’s time for the drama category tomorrow!

Before Emmy nominee Anthony Anderson and Lauren Graham announce the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations tomorrow, we’ll finish our four-part predictions series over here at Tit for Tat. Since we’re already done with reality and variety, TV movie and limited series, as well as comedy yesterday, we’re left with the TV dramas.

Last year, Game of Thrones swept last year, and while that’s bound to happen again, let’s see who can expect some nominations for themselves.

It’s a tad surprising that Game of Thrones hasn’t won yet for any of their Episode 9, but they have been nominated for it, so expect at least two nominations for the show again. Then there’s legendary director Martin Scorsese in contention again after winning for the Boardwalk Empire pilot back in 2011. Sure Vinyl is dead by now and was also canceled by HBO already, but that won’t stop them from name-checking and recognizing it here. Vince Gilligan hasn’t won for Directing for any Breaking Bad episode, maybe Better Call Saul can seal the deal for him. I also think Louis C.K. can also pull off his usual directing and writing nominations he usually does in the Comedy genre. Lastly, Homeland has been nominated thrice in its last four seasons, but with a resurgence, I expect that it will be a mainstay here the same way Boardwalk Empire was during its run.

As we all know, the writers branch are the most experimental and least sheepy when it comes to nominations; thus nominations for shows like Battlestar Galactica, The Wire, and The Americans the previous years. Speaking of The Americans, I think they’ll get a consecutive nomination here again for this year. Another out of the box pick I trust them to do is The Leftovers‘ much-buzzed episode “International Assassin.” Both Better Call Saul and Game of Thrones are also poised to return here with nominations for their prominent episodes this season. I expect them to welcome new shows such as Mr. Robot and Horace and Pete with nominations too.

Previous winners Allison Janney and Margo Martindale are likely bound to return as long as they’re still eligible, so those are two slots taken already. Then there are those previous nominees such as Natasha Lyonne of Orange is the New Black and Cicely Tyson for How to Get Away with Murder to come back as well. As mentioned yesterday in the Comedy Guest Actress, I think Ellen Burstyn will also pick up a second Guest Actress nomination for her turn in House of Cards. This is the same actress they nominated for a 15-second appearance back in 2006 and a win for the short-lived small show Political Animals. To complete the list, expect another Emmy favorite Laurie Metcalfe to earn another nomination for her much talked about episode in Horace & Pete. The talks are even about her winning this category.

As for starters, there’s current Emmy champ Reg E. Cathey who’s eligible again this year for House of Cards. The rest is a mix of previous nominated performances and familiar faces that are usually nominated. There’s 2x nominee Josh Charles who comes back on The Good Wife‘s final episode, as well as thrice-nominated Michael J. Fox for the same show as well. Last year’s nominee Pablo Schreiber can also expect to hear his name called again for his infamous Pornstache role in Orange is the New Black. With Dame Diana Rigg moving to Supporting now, Oscar nominee Max von Sydow can be the Guest acting nominee from Game of Thrones this year. And lastly, there’s Beau Bridges, who has been a mainstay in the guest actor categories, previously for shows such as Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, The Closer and Masters of Sex to score another nomination, this time for Bloodline.

Five of last year’s nominees are all eligible again this year, and I expect current champ Uzo Aduba to be nominated as the representative of Orange is the New Black. Christine Baranski has been nominated all previous six years of The Good Wife that it would be weird if she missed out on the last year of the show’s eligibility. I don’t see Game of Thrones slowing down for this year at least, so expect the pair of Lena Headey and Emilia Clarke to get in too. Dame Maggie Smith was surprisingly snubbed last year and was replaced by co-star Joanne Froggatt, but I expect the reverse results for them this year, especially on Downton Abbey‘s final season. As for the newbie in the group, maybe they’d welcome 4x winner Edie Falco in her first drama since The Sopranos.

Welp, Peter Dinklage will be a mainstay in this category as long as Game of Thrones is on air, so that’s one slot for him. There’s also Jonathan Banks of Better Call Saul and Jim Carter of Downton Abbey to return as well. Joining them as newbies of the group are Alan Alda of Horace & Pete who last won nine years ago for the final season of The West Wing. There’s also Golden Globe winner Christian Slater of Mr. Robot, and while I see a scenario that they give him the obvious snub, I still think he’d get in. The last spot I think is a battle of the Michaels — House of Cards‘ Michael Kelly vs. Better Call Saul‘s Michael McKean, though I expect the latter to get in instead.

It’s a boring category this year, as we all know Viola Davis will easily score her second consecutive Emmy for the role of Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder. We can also expect both Robin Wright and Claire Danes to get nominated for the respective seasons of their shows too. In a more stacked group, someone like Taraji P. Henson can be snubbed after Empire lost its buzz, but we think she can squeeze in another year for a nomination. 2x Emmy winner for this performance, Julianna Margulies can either get one last nod or just be completely forgotten, but I guess she has the clout enough to pull off. Last slot can be between three different women: there’s Michelle Dockery who will also come back after sitting out for a year, there’s Tatiana Maslany who got the surprise inclusion last year. However, I’m going out on a limb and predict that the Emmys will finally realize The Americans do exist and nominate Keri Russell.

Aside from returning nominees Kevin Spacey of House of Cards, and Bob Odenkirk of Better Call Saul, the rest can be a lineup of new names in this category. As for starters, there’s the men of Horace & Pete. While both Louis C.K. and Steve Buscemi can get in, I guess the former will get his due in the writing and directing categories while multiple acting nominee Buscemi gets in solely here. Then there’s another Emmy favorite Paul Giammatti who was just nominated for his guest stint in Inside Amy Schumer last year. While Billions has the option to go with him or Emmy winner Damian Lewis, we’re going with the more familiar name between the two. Rami Malek of Mr. Robot can be seen as too much of an outlier here, but we’re holding on the idea that the Emmys will embrace the show somehow; thus I’m including him. To round up the list, Bloodline‘s Kyle Chandler and Ray Donovan‘s Liev Schreiber can easily score another nod, same goes for Hugh Bonneville of Downton Abbey, but just like my risk in the Lead Actress, I’ll go on a limb and predict Matthew Rhys of The Americans to score a nomination too.

Now this one can see a lot of movements to maybe really limited ones. Game of Thrones, Better Call Saul. Downton Abbey, House of Cards, and Homeland are sure nominations, I think. three shows are competing however for the last two slots. There’s Orange is the New Black who happened to be the subject of many of ATAS’ weird rule changes which makes you think they’re sabotaging it. That said, it has survived last year despite four nods, and the love for Season 4 can overcome the Season 3 blah-ness. Then there’s Mr. Robot, which I’m still somehow pessimistic that the Emmys will embrace. It’s a USA show, and the title might make voters think it’s about a techy show and they won’t touch it (true story). Then there’s Horace & Pete, a show made and starred by a group of Emmy winners. It has all the factors of a shoo-in nomination really, but the question is, with aggressive campaigning and all, will voters really acknowledge such? Any of the three missing is a feasible scenario, and since there are only two slots, I’ll go crazy and predict a Horace & Pete snub even if it gets multiple acting nominations.

There you have it! Watch out for the Primetime Emmy announcement nomination tomorrow night, July 14 (Manila time).

So I decided to skip my annual movie, TV shows, red carpet looks, and songs lists for this year since I have no time to write them all. Instead, I’ll be posting my favorite moments of 2013 in GIF style. So yes, most of these would be from awards show ceremonies or basically any pop culture event of the year. Okay.

Okay so let’s begin with five six time Oscar loser a.k.a Albert Nobbs herself Glenn Close. At the Golden Globes last January, Close probably thought that she’s also one of the cool kids when she decided to play drunk after Tina Fey’s signal. You probably have no idea how epic this moment was. I mean I can’t even choose my favorite part. Is it the closing of her eyes to give a more convincing portrayal? Is it when she changed her mind and started to look up the heavens instead to make it even more convincing? Is it her husband’s coy “WTF I think I actually married Alex Forrest” tepid laugh? I guess I have to go with none of the above and choose the closing shot of her looking sideways to see check if people find her stuff funny.

That same night, we’re treated to one of the best (and yes I mean the best) awards show presentations ever. When SNL alums Kristin Wyg and Will Pharrell (as Tina Fey would say it) presented the Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical/Comedy, I.WAS.DYING. As a refresher, here’s how they described the nominees that night:

(on Emily Blunt’s Salmon Fishing in Yemen): “When the salmon comes out.. and when the bad guy comes…. and the salmon was like.. and you’re in Yemen.”
(on Judi Dench of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel): “That Judi Dench. Where did she come from? Unknown, she used to be a police officer, and this is her fist movie. And when all the marigold comes out.. and it’s on her hair. And on one scene, she looks at the town people and she’s like “YOUUU!!! YOUUU GET OUT OF HERE!!!”(on Jennifer Lawrence of Silver Lings Playbook): “Ugh love Jennifer Lawrence. J.LAW. And then comes the silverrr!! I thought it was an animated film. And all the silver she has collected and they tried to get it away from her and she’s like “NOOO! THAT’S MY COOKBOOK!” and she’s like “YOUUU!!! YOUUU GET OUT OF HERE!!!”(on Maggie Smith of Quartet): “And no one knows what a quartet is. IT IS AMBIGUOUS! And you think you know what it is, but then the guy comes and says “I think I know what a quartet is!” but he doesn’t”
(on Meryl Streep of Hope Springs): “And Meriall Streep. And she’s the sassy sheriff! “I’m Hope Springs!” She comes in a horse and she’s like she looks at the town people and she’s says “YOUUU!!! YOUUU GET OUT OF HERE!!!”

UGH TYPING THAT WAS A HOOT. I’m laughing again. And everyone in the room was actually entertained. Everyone that is except that creature named Tommy Lee Jones.

Ugh Gramps looked grumpy as hell during that presentation. Guess what TLJ, that was my exact look when you stole that Oscar from Ralph Fiennes and Leonardo di Caprio.

Then we have the Screen Actors Guild Awards where you’re allowed to waste a minute of your life listening to Giuliana Rancic say things like this:

Girl is useless as their manicam. By the way let’s appreciate that the SAG was the only time this award season where Anne Hathaway opened her mouth and said something entertaining that does not involve
a.”a blunt object I will forevermore use as a weapon against self-doubt”,b. thanking Victor Hugo
c. thinking her Oscar win will stop prostitution.
d. correcting the spelling of her name
It was when Anne presented with co-star Hugh Jackman and they played a banter of how they will describe Les Mis in 2013.

Yes Anne, you crushed it. Speaking of crushed, don’t you love this BFF pic of Nicole Kidman and the lesser Nicole Kidman Naomi Watts at the SAGs? Go Nic, giving some Regina George fierceness.

Prior to her history making releasing an album without anything stint, Beysus graced us all with her presence at the Superbowl. But it wasn’t even her who stole the show. Two words: poor Michelle.

Go poor Michelle!! Put that one day off to good use and appear at the Superbowl.I’m living for her facial reaction. She suddenly got cocky when she realized she did not fall off the mosh pit. YESSS!!

But then again, we’re quickly reminded why she never skyrocketed as a solo artist. I mean not literally a rocket but even Bey can do it.

Anyway, let’s move on to the Grammys a.k.a the first televised exam to see if Taylor Swift knows this song…

or this song…

and this one as well…

and did you know she knew this song too?

Okay we get it Taylor. You know all the songs. But then again who wants to see her do it for a fifth time when you can see Legend Kidman bopping to that Bob Marley tribute?

It wasn’t as epic as her singing Teenage Dream at the Grammys last year but she gets bonus points because Adele is wearing a red doily.

Then there’s also the BAFTA where the only two interesting things we saw were Dame Dench’s O face (and when I say O, I mean Oh my god!) as Javier Bardem falls asleep

and David O. Russell’s reaction when Emmanuelle Riva wins Best Actress.

I was secretly wishing Emmanuelle would say “I beat J.Law” at the podium but then I remembered she doesn’t speak in English. So maybe in French? Anyway, off to the Oscars.

Okay remember when I said a few posts above that Giuliana Rancic is as useless as the manicam? Well I take it back. The Manicam is more useful than Giuliana apparently. I’m pretty sure it made Catherine Zeta Jones upset when Ryan Seacrest denied her to do one. You can clearly see in her eyes she wants to parade her fingers on the manicam. Not good, Ryan!

In April this year, Reese Witherspoon was arrested by the cops but she tried to get herself out of this…

…which only means she ended up in prison with a mugshot. You should have called Elle Woods to save you, Reese.

Taylor Swift won eight Billboard Music Awards in May of this year. But surprisingly, not any of those can match the WIN level of her reactions here:

Meanwhile, Miguel channels his inner Bjorn Barrefors and trains for the Olympics on air

Ouch for that woman whose head was found in between Miguel’s legs.

And as everyone celebrates film over at the Cannes Film Festival, two tiny teeny things clearly doesn’t wanna be there. Julianne Moore’s little toes can’t wait enough to go home instead they’re trying to escape while she’s on the red carpet.

Still on the subject of feet, it’s not cool to talk about North West anymore, so let’s just hope Kim K’s feet some speedy recovery for everything they’ve been through this year:

Yes Debra Messing don’t act too surprised, those are her feet.

Last August 10, two of the biggest popstars go head to head as Lady Gaga releases Applause and Katy Perry releases Roar on the same week. You know it was bound to get messy.

And someone’s coming out on top:

But come the VMAs, it wasn’t even the two of them who became the talk of the town. But before that we saw…

Justin Timberlake joined by four other lessers perform,

Taylor Swift asking her BFF to STFU,

Willow Smith whipping her head back and forth as Jaden Smith tries another shot at “acting”,

Lady Gaga opening the show,

but Katy Perry closing it.. (Ouch Gags! Was that msg for you?)

But it Miley who made the whole thing classic. Even getting a classic rxn from Rih

‘

September also was the end for Breaking Bad. And I think no amount of GIF will give it justice so I’ll just post a photo of Bryan and Aaron because uhm, duh, bitch.

And when the Emmys came, Neil Patrick Harris bombed as host, but no other bombed better than what this guy did:

Then cute Merritt Wever gives one of the best Emmy speeches ever when she said nothing but…

while Julia Louis Dreyfus stays in character in her speech.

Michael Douglas, meanwhile, uses Matt Damon as metaphor in his thank you speech

And though he did not win, Kevin Spacey still scores one in my b0ok after doing this:

And the delight of Oprah pushing people

And last month, Miley Cyrus wins Round 2 of best performance at the American Music Awards when she performs with a huge cat behind her:

As Ariana Grande shows us all how it’s really done just by standing up.

Meanwhile, a certain legend named Christina Aguilera is slaying the red carpet fo’sho:

And that’s how you make an exit! Wait let me reiterate

On the other hand, here’s how you make an entrance. An album entrance that is. As Beysus Christ showed us, just drop em ‘off and boom.

Let’s pause this moment and recognize Queen B.

Oh wait, did you know Britney released an album this year? I’m sure even she’s not aware, but I guess she’s raking it in Vegas no so go Brit and

And as Oscar season comes, we’re treated to a whole lot of epic GIFs from contenders like this of J.Law pleading…

or Sandra Bullock in Gravity a.k.a basically whatever you wanna do to your enemy

But to close this off, a legendary performance to close the year happened between Gags and Legend X when they did a duet of Do What U Want on The Voice finale.

Anybody who does not get the ABBA meets Whatever Happened to Baby Jane reference is deads to me. Plus, I’d kill to have my head on Legend’s bosoms. Anyway, cheers to a happy 2013 and let’s hope for crazier things this 2014.

It was the television season of 2009-2010 when we were first introduced to three different families: the Dunphys with control freak mom Claire and happy go lucky dad Phil, the Pritchetts with sexy and loud Latina Gloria and a much older husband Jay, and gay couple Mitchell and Cameron. Four years later, with four Comedy Series Emmys, stars as household names, and a hundred plus nominations from different TV award giving bodies, Modern Family is definitely one of the landmarks of TV comedy this generation.

And as the show celebrate their 100th episode this week, let’s take a visit down memory lane and check the show’s fifteen best episodes from the first 99 ones:

I’m very lenient when it comes to pilot episodes of comedies since it needs a certain amount of time before the show can finally find and settle with the direction of where it wants to go. With that said, Modern Family is off to a good start by coming up with one of the funniest pilot episodes in years. The show gave a clear background of all the characters and introduced us to their world instantly. And of course, who would ever forget the Circle of Life moment which is like one of the best use of the song since…well…uhm… The Lion King?

Eight episodes later, and we had the first birthday of the show when Luke Dunphy had his animal themed birthday. Between Gloria jumping as the men drools over her, Claire trying her best in the bead section of the party, and the introduction of Fizbo the clown a.k.a. one of the most memorable alter egos in the show, it’s definitely one of the show’s strongest episodes.

Valentine episodes are common among comedy series, so it’s hard to come up with a memorable one, but the show’s first take on it is its best one yet. If Cameron has Fizbo, then Phil and Claire has Clive and Julianna as their alter egos. This also addressed the initial observation between Jay and Gloria’s age differences, but in a very comedic manner. Now if only the show’s succeeding Valentine-themed ones were as great as this one…

As I mentioned above, one of the best things about Modern Family is how they address the issues about the show and the characters in it. During the first season, the show received some flack for not showing any kisses between gay couple Cam and Mitch. And with this second episode from their sophomore season, they finally managed to answer all back in a very heartfelt manner. Kudos, guys!

During its first airing, it was a pretty weird theme as it was up against Glee‘s Grilled Cheesus episode. Both involved religious themed storylines, and we saw both of it in the same week. But this one is probably more consistent, as it showed three different storylines, all funny as they revolve around one incident: the earthquake. If Gloria killing a rat isn’t enough for you, then maybe Phil surviving a cabinet fall while Claire is stuck with the plumber might do the trick.

Definitely what I consider as my most favorite episode of Modern Family ever, I have probably lost count on how many times I’ve seen this episode. On one hand, you have Cam and Mitch battling it out with a lesbian couple for a shot at an exclusive school. On the other, you have Gloria’s rowdy fight with her neighbor’s dog. And over at the Dunphys, a contest on who can stand away from technology the longest is happening. If Earthquake managed to bring three storylines with one relation, then this one had three separate storylines all working effectively. I still howl like a mad man everytime Gloria mentions that “jar of pickols“.

Winner of the Emmy for Best Directing in a Comedy Series, the show’s first Halloween episode is definitely a riot in almost any aspect. You have Mitchell being stuck in the bathroom of his office donning a Spiderman costume, Phil and Claire’s over the top Halloween preparations, and Gloria’s accent issues are the highlight of this episode. As the show went on, Modern Family have become some sort of formulaic wit their treatment of the episodes, but this belongs to the earlier ones where everything is still fresh and clicking.

It’s safe to say that one of the show’s secret weapons is its great use of its ensemble. That’s why storylines that involve the whole cast is such a joy to watch. For the show’s second season, it’s Manny’s turn to celebrate his birthday and while this would have been a perfect time for a celebration, the opposite happens to be the case for each of the family’s feuding issues. With that said, how the show managed to still end up on a sweet note is what earns the “aww” after watching this episode.

It is no secret that most of the stories featured in the show were from real life experiences of the writing group. That’s why it’s even funnier when Caught in the Act was shown primarily because of them admitting who are responsible for what stories. It was writer Jeffrey Richman’s own experience on what happened to Cama nd Mitch’s spilling issue, while show creator Steven Levitan is guilty of the Dunphy’s. If you still need more evidence on why this episode is one of the show’s best, one simply has to remember that uncompromising position between Phil and Claire at the start of the episode to prove my point.

Moving on to the show’s third season, this is the first episode that particularly clicked with me. That “door to door” montage of Claire, Jay and Manny, and Cameron and Gloria is one of the best edited scenes of the whole series. This episode shows us the fatherly side of Jay, which is a rarity in the show and with his character. Plus points to that Streetcar Named Desire reference in Gloria and Cam’s story.

The leap day narrative has been done in at least three shows the week this was aired, but what made this one memorable is that they connected it with a character, as it was revealed that it was Cam’s birthday. Just the mere fact that Cam is in denial that this is his 40th birthday, as compared to his claim that it’s his 10th one is already a hoot. Then you also have Phil’s wish for this day to be special which is so typical of his character to do, and of Claire to be the thorn in his rose of plans. Gloria and Jay’s was the filler one here, but as expected, they managed to wrap this up in the end with a heart-tugging celebration that involved the whole ensemble.

Modern Family has a habit of screwing up their season finale episodes. In the first season, I would have preferred it if Hawaii was their last episode. In the second one, See You Next Fall made more sense as the season closer. But for the show’s third season, they finally managed to hit it the right way. As the episode began, it seemed like it’s your typical episode with all the comedy already. But it went to be more dramatic as it progresses, and it just ended on that bittersweet moment with Cam and Mitch under the stars. Also, it’s their first time to do a cliff hanger story with Gloria’s revelation.

Current winner of the Directing in a Comedy Emmy, Arrested is a perfect throwback to the older Modern Family. At this stage in the show, they have already managed to pair up all possible combination in their ensemble, but it’s still refreshing to see them do it by threes instead. Also, it’s great that they focus some of their major storylines to the kids in the show (particularly Haley in this one, since the kids have already built a fanbase of their own, and has shown multiple times in the past that they are capable to deliver as well) since it’s always the adults who take up the credit in terms of the show’s acting.

Now we’re even when it comes to season finales. If the first two finales were underwhelming, the latter two definitely were much better ones. Goodnight Gracie is a very dramatic arc to say the least, we’re attending a funeral after all. But if there’s one show that manages to bring the optimism in cases such as this, it’s definitely this one. It felt like an effective throwback to the first season where in the characters are not playing exaggerated versions of themselves (a habit most sitcoms are guilty of), and the sweetness isn’t totally forced. I also noticed how the spotlight in the series finales isn’t limited to one person only, and Alex giving that speech is a worthy way to end an uneven season.

As for the show’s current season, what I particularly love about this episode is that it makes the show feel as if it’s a character in the episode as well. With this one, it’s as if the show is on its first day as well, as it tries out new approach in its storytelling. From the stories in the actual episode, up until the delivery of the “lesson” at the end and the transitions in between stories, this is Modern Family doing a different approach. And I’m sorry but I can’t let my discussion of this episode pass without mentioning that hilarious Gloria and Phil moments as commercial extras.

There you have it! Are you excited for the episode this week? And did you love their new OBB? Don’t forget to watch Modern Family this Wednesday, 9 PM on ABC.

We’re down to the last two categories of this year’s Emmy awards, and we’ll begin with the highest honor in Comedy. With no Curb Your Enthusiasm eligible this season, one slot was available and critical darlign Louie made it in over 3x nominee and 2004 Arrested Development and a lauded sophomore season of New Girl.

The two HBO comedies managed to hold on their spots for a consecutive year now though Veep over performed with two more acting nominations despite no directing and writing nods under its belt. Girls, on the other hand, underperformed with no writing nod now, though it managed to add one more acting nom for Adam Driver and another directing nomination. Sadly for them, they’re also the two weakest nominees in this category.

Speaking of no directing and writing nods, The Big Bang Theory is enjoying an all time high of Emmy love for a critically and commercially well received sixth season. Winning from the Critics Choice and the TCAs this year, the show is doing very well and has been the landmark of network comedies in the midst of a struggling rating natures. With that said, its lack of directing and writing nods will hurt, as only one show managed to pull off that feat in 2002 and that was NBC’s Friends. Now one can claim that both depended on the huge ratings factor under their name, but Friends was on an all time pop culture status at the time it won the award. I don’t think Big Bang can survive the lack of directing and writing nods to pull off the win.

This year’s most critically lauded show, Louie, is also FX’s first time in this category. There’s no doubt that Louis CK is a god among Emmy voters, and that he is the it thing now. But I’m not yet confident that they’ll hand it the top prize. Maybe in the next few years, but this one is a triumph of acknowledging the show for the top category instead of giving it the win already. Let’s see how the show will be received on Sunday to gauge its future chances (though it’s off to a good start with Melissa Leo’s win earlier this week).

As for the last two contenders here, both Modern Family and 30 Rock are contending for a fourth Emmy win. 30 Rock has the advantage of going with its last season, and it is the last time to reward one of Emmy’s most loved shows of the aughts. But if history is any indication, only one show in the last decade has won for its final season (Everybody Loves Raymond in 2005). 30 Rock has been winning nothing for the last two three years, so I’m having my reservations if they’d go reward it again all of a sudden. I think they’ll give its due some category else and not here.

Given all that conditions, I’d say that in the end, Modern Family will skate in for a fourth consecutive win. This might have been their most vulnerable win if ever, but let’s gauge if there will be a fatigue of the show already. I’m not bothered with their lackluster submissions since it has been a habit for the show to do that, and I’m also not bothered with their lack of Creative Emmys win since that also happened in Season 2 yet they swept all their nominated televised awards. The thing is, if one needs to unseat MF from this category, we need one strong viable alternate, and not multiple semi-strong ones, as its tendency is that the anti-MF votes will scatter all over the place. So yes, for this year, I’m predicting a Modern Family fourpeat.